Pricing Details About Nephrite Jade
On an average basis in India, Nephrite Jade price ranges from INR 600 to INR 30,000. Nephrite jade price is determined by the collective assessment of factors such as the gemstone’s Origin, colour, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight.
Factors Affecting the Quality & Price of Nephrite Jade
Nephrite jade price and quality depends on origin, colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. New Zealand nephrite is the most prized, with deep green hues, high translucency, and expert craftsmanship elevating its rarity, beauty, and market price.
Origin
New Zealand is the largest and most significant source of high-quality nephrite jadeite, making it one of the most valuable and sought-after varieties in the market. Due to its superior quality, New Zealand nephrite commands higher prices compared to other origins. Other notable sources include Australia, Russia, Canada, and China, where nephrite jade occurs in different colour variations and quality grades.
Colour
The colour of nephrite plays a crucial role in determining its value and market price. The most highly prized nephrite jadeite displays a deep, intense green hue with excellent saturation and consistency. Other naturally occurring shades include white, gray, yellow, brown, near-black, and a variety of green tones. Among all these, solid green nephrite is considered the most valuable and desirable, as it represents the highest quality and purity of the stone.
Clarity
The clarity and transparency of nephrite significantly impact its pricing and desirability. The most valuable nephrite exhibits a translucent appearance with a glassy to creamy luster, making it highly sought after for luxury jewellery and carvings. Stones with visible inclusions, dull surfaces, or excessive cloudiness tend to be less valuable. A high degree of transparency enhances the gemstone’s beauty and allows light to pass through, making it visually striking and premium in quality.
Cut
Since nephrite stone is an opaque gemstone, it is primarily cut into cabochons, beads, and intricate carvings rather than faceted shapes. The cutting process enhances its colour, conceals inclusions, and improves overall aesthetic appeal. However, cutting raw nephrite results in material wastage, which increases production costs and pricing. Cabochon cuts are considered the most economical, as they minimize rough wastage, ensuring that more of the stone is retained while still maximizing its beauty and clarity.
Carat Weight
The size and weight of nephrite original jade have a direct impact on its value and price per carat. Larger nephrite stones, particularly those with deep green colour and high clarity, command higher market prices due to their rarity and desirability. During the polishing and cutting process, nephrite often reduces in size, affecting its overall value. The larger and well-polished stones with minimal inclusions hold the highest price points in the market due to their exceptional quality and exclusivity.